Nirn's Finest [Elder Scrolls One-Shots]

v) Meeko

The nauseating crack of the wolf's spine echoes through the forest. Its companions lie dead, but not after putting up a fight.

Torn muscles drape from the leg of the Nord, bleeding heavily. His breaths come in shaky heaves, and yet he somehow manages to stand. With the help of a dog, he stumbles to his nearby shack.

Dark red liquid trails behind him and stains the poorly crafted floor. The Nord dizzily slams onto the bed in exhaustion, but he knows he has to keep going.

The man props his damaged leg up, inspecting it. Damn, he thinks, clenching his teeth. It's infected with Rockjoint. Although he's almost certain it's useless to try to save himself, the man rips a strip of fabric from his worn clothes, binding the wound.

In a matter of seconds, blood seeps through the makeshift bandage. If I don't die of Rockjoint, the blood loss will kill me.

The dog barks, his brown eyes full of fear for what's to come for his beloved master. "It's okay, boy. I'll pull through for you." A sad smile plasters to the man's face as the lie slips through his teeth.

A large paw moves to hover on his chest, and unspoken words pass between master and companion. I know that's not true, but I accept it. We've had our share of memories together, and although it's sad, it's time to have memories without each other. But as long as you live, I'll stay by your side. Maybe I'm just an animal, but I'm an animal who loves you.

Large teardrops slide down the man's face, leaving a trail of salty water behind. A tongue roughly licks up the tears.

The man laughs as more tears spill, only to be wiped away by his faithful dog. "I love you too, Meeko," he says, understanding what the animal was trying to say.

His eyes search over the room, looking for anything to write on. He sees a small, unused journal with a piece of charcoal near it. Meeko notices his master's eyes locked on the object and brings them to him, one at a time. He scratches Meeko behind his ears as a thank you and gets to writing.

The charcoal scratches scrapes on the yellowed paper, but words are soon visible. Well, after all my years living in these woods, it looks like this will finally be the end of me. I guess that's fine. All my friends are long dead. The only one left is poor Meeko. He was always a loyal companion, and I know he'll be able to take care of himself. I hope someday I'll see him again. Between the wet spots dotting the page and the shakiness of the letters, the entry seems messy, but the Nord hopes it's readable enough.

He adds a small note at the bottom of the page, too, hoping someone will eventually find and read it. To whoever finds this, take care of my Meeko for me. He may be able to support himself, but he gets lonely sometimes. Treat him with all the love and respect you would a family member, as the longer you know him, the more he becomes one.

Waves of pain shoot through his lower leg and traverses to the rest of his body. Crying out in agony, the man grabs onto something to hold, praying it will help lessen the stinging.

The first thing he reaches for is a wooden ladle on his bedside table. It creaks under the pressure of the Nord's grasp, only to shatter soon afterward.

Surprised by the sudden noise, Meeko whimpers. He nudges his masters arm with his nose, hoping to not only be comforting the man, but also be comforted by the man from the unusual noises and strong scent of copper.

But the Nord doesn't move to comfort Meeko. In fact, the Nord doesn't move at all. He passed out from the pain he was experiencing. A pool of blood now surrounds his legs, and Meeko licks his master's hand one last time.

With his heart heavier than ever before, Meeko lies down beside the bed, his head set on his large crossed paws. Out of utter despair, he howls. It sounds low and brimming with raw emotion.

He thinks of all the joyful times the two had shared, whether it be chasing squirrels or fighting off wolves. And no matter what, the man always seemed to see things on the bright side.

So that's what I need to do now, Meeko thinks. My master is leaving me, but for a better place. No longer will he have to scavenge the forest for food or huddle in the corner, shaking from the freezing winters. Now he can live in peace, even if that means without me for now. Rest well, Master. May we see each other again.

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About the video: "DYATHON - Walk In The Rain" I know I could've gone with something quieter, but I liked the way it just sort of fit the one-shot.

Hello again! This one-shot was requested by @obsessivehuman, so here it is! I hope you all enjoyed it, and I'll see you again soon!